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Hong Kong creative industry ‘shrouded in worries and fears’ amid chilling effect of ‘red lines’ under national security law
- Creative community comes to grips with new censorship landscape and complaints from government supporters
- Observers see shades of mainland’s Cultural Revolution as films are blocked, books are targeted
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Award-winning Hong Kong director Kiwi Chow Kwun-wai made headlines when his latest documentary was screened at the Cannes Film Festival last month, but the recognition prompted an investor to withdraw from his next film.
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The 2½-hour Revolution of Our Times takes its title from a slogan used widely during the anti-government protests of 2019 and which the authorities have since labelled a pro-independence rallying call.
The film records how frontline demonstrators operated on the ground during months of unrest that became increasingly violent.
Chow, 42, recalled that his investor was apologetic over pulling out, citing concerns over potential risks.
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With Hong Kong adjusting to life under the national security law imposed on the city in June last year, Chow, a father of two, admitted he was mentally prepared to be arrested.
He sold the film’s copyright and deleted all the clips in his possession to avoid legal repercussions.
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